Louvered window construction



June 26, 1956 J. R. KLEIN LOUVERED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 12, 1952 58 INVENTOR.

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June 26, 1956 J. R. KLEIN LOUVERED wmoow CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 12, 1952 R. am! m? imy w a; '05 3 w W B n June 26, 1956 J. R. KLEIN 2,751,642

LOUVERED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 12, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 E x151 3: f 14 I 101 2 I 102 145 I 12 20 .150 a 127 INVENTOR.

Patented June 26, 1955 LOUVERED WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Joseph R. Klein, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application August 12, 1952, Serial No. 303,897

7 Claims. (Cl. 20-62) My invention relates generally to window constructions, and more particularly to louvered windows of the type having a series of horizontally extending panes pivotally supported for opening and closing movement.

Louvered windows are far superior to conventional casement or double-hung windows in a number of respects. In comparison with a casement window, the louvered window consumes less space and avoids either internal or external obstructions. As regards a doublehung window, the louvered window has a much greater ventilating area and more convenient operation. Over either of the conventional types of windows, the louvered window is advantageous in that children cannot fall out, and intruders cannot enter without breaking the panes, even when the window is open. The principal objections to prior types of louvered windows have been the high initial cost of the complex operating mechanisms used, the difficulty of obtaining a weathertight seal, and the excessive upkeep required.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a major object of my invention to provide a louvered window having improved control and operating means which are of simple and easily operated design allowing great flexibility of adjustment.

Another object of my invention is to provide a single operating control mechanism for simultaneously opening and closing all of the panes, and cooperating control mechanisms for the individual panes which allow independent opening and closing of the same.

It is an equally important object of my invention to provide novel mounting means for supporting the panes preventing the removal thereof, while permitting rapid and convenient replacement.

A further object of my invention is to provide a window that requires less wall space than the conventional window and has neither internal nor external projections when opened.

It is still another object of my invention to provide a louvered window in which the control mechanisms are compact and installed directly within the window structure to avoid interference with Venetian blinds or draperies.

It is also an object of my invention to provide one form of the device which consists of hardware and glass units adapted to be easily installed in an existing window frame, and another form of the invention adapted to be built in integrally with a wall panel.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred and modified form thereof, and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a typical building window frame showing the preferred embodiment of my invention installed therein;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the right end of the structure taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the left end of the structure taken along the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the pane mounting bracket taken at the area 4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevation partially in section of the right-hand group control mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevation partially in section of the left-hand individual pane control mechanisms;

Fig. 7 is a horizontal section taken across the line 7--7 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a perspective detail of the pane support bracket and sealing gasket in operating position;

Fig. 9 is a perspective detail similar to Fig. 8 showing the support bracket pivoted to permit removal or replace ment of the pane;

Fig. 10 is a perspective detail of an optional form of support bracket;

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section taken through a modified form of the window;

Fig. 12 is a vertical elevation taken along the line 1212 of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a sectional detail of a variation in the sup- 1 thereof, the preferred form of my invention provides a plurality of horizontally disposed relatively narrow glass panes 20 which are tiltably mounted to rotate inwardly about their lower edges from the vertical closed position shown, to a rearwardly inclined open position. Panes 20 are supported by vertical end channels 21 which are in turn mounted to the end faces of a conventional wooden Window frame comprising vertical jambs 22, a sill 23, and top member 24. At the left end of panes 20 are individual operating mechanisms 25 which control the movement of the corresponding panes for individual opening and closing. At the right end of panes 20 is a group control mechanism 25 for simultaneously opening and closing all of the panes together. This form of the invention thus comprises a hardware and glass unit which may be quickly and easily installed in any conventional type of window frame without modification of the latter.

End supporting channels 21 are of right-angular section, as is best seen in Fig. 7, having a rearwardly extending leg 28 secured in abutting relationship along window jambs 22 by spaced fasteners 29, and a transverse front leg 30 which lies outside of panes 20. Legs 30 hold panes 20 against forward movement, and support vertically extending weathertight sealing strips 32 which are adapted to press tightly against the outer end surfaces of the panes. Preferably strips 32 are of resilient deformable rubber-like material formed with spaced rear edge lips 33 defining a central V-shaped groove. When panes 2.0 are pressed tightly against strips 32 the lips 33 are compressed and spread outwardly to form a double line of sealing contact which is a highly efficient water and dust seal. Strips 32 also serve as an external cushioned mounting preventing panes 20 from rattling or being damaged by shock.

Extended beneath the top frame member 24 is an upper channel 36 having a depending forward leg which supports a sealing strip 37 in front of the upper edge of the top pane 29, as is best seen in Figs. 2 and 3. Strip 37 is likewise of resilient material and seals tightly against the upper edge of the top pane 20 when the latter is in a closed position. To complete the marginal closure around the outside of the window I provide a rail or molding 38 which is secured along sill 23 in a raised position inside the lower edge of bottom pane 20. Molding 38 cooperates with a gasket 40 secured along the lower edge of pane 20 to provide a tight seal therebetween when the pane is closed. Gaskets 40 are mounted along the having a downwardly projecting lip 41, as is best seen in Fig. 4. The upper section of gasket 40 is of U shape to clamp around the lower edge of panel 20, and is securely bonded thereon by a suitabie adhesive. Lip 41 extends downwardly, overlapping the upper edge of the next lower pane 20, and is provided with a fiat rear face adapted to make tight sealing contact with the outer face of this pane. The lip 41 of the lowermost gasket 40 rides over front edge of molding 38 and seals similarly thereagainst. As can be seen, each lip 41 limits the forward movement of the top of the next adjacent pane 20, but in no way interferes with its r arward movement. To facilitate rearward pivoting of panes 26 the rear edge of gasket 40 is formed with a smoothly filleted corner as indicated at 42.

The ends .of gaskets 40 extend outwardly beyond the ends of panes 2%) for pivotally supporting the same, as is best seen in the details of Figs. 8 and 9. Spaced along the end channels 21 are supporting brackets 44 arranged in horizontally disposed pairs adapted to support the opposite ends of gaskets 40 so as to mount the lower edges of panes 20 for rearward pivoting or tilting movement. Bracket 44 is conveniently formed as a sheet metal clip having a horizontal lower flange 45 which projects outwardly from a back wall 46 and provides a shelf or supporting ledge which supports gasket 46. An upper keeper flange 47 is also projected outwardly from back wall 46 and formed with a downturned rear end portion which approaches flange 45 and limits rearward movement of gasket 40. Thus it can be seen that gasket 40 is loosely supported on lower shelf 45 and is free to roll rearwardly on rounded corner 42. At the same time, keeper .47 prevents pane 2! from being displaced upwardly or rearwardly.

In order to allow installation and replacement of panes 20, bracket 44 is pivotally mounted on end channel 21 by means of a central rivet 48 which is tightly secured in place to normally hold the bracket in proper position by frictional engagement between channel leg 28 and bracket wall 46, When it is desired to insert gasket 40 into bracket 44, the latter is pivoted downwardly from the position shown in Fig. 8 to that shown in Fig. 9. Gasket 40 and pane 29 may then be removed upwardly between keeper 67 and flange 45, as indicated.

In Fig. I have illustrated an optional form of supporting bracket which may be advantageously used when it is desired to provide a metal edge frame around panes 20. An edge framing strip 5% of U section is clamped firmly on the end of pane 2t} and is provided with an outwardly extending pivot pin .51 adapted to enter a pivot journal 52 formed in channel 21. Pin 51 is aligned with the lower edge of pane 20 and ivotally sup ports the pane for rotation about this edge.

I have thus far described the construction of the window as to the manner of mounting panes 26. By reason of this construction each pane 2i) may move from the vertical closed position to a rearwardly inclined open position as indicated in phantom outline in Fig. 5. In order to readily control this inward pivotal motion of panes 26 I provide the group control mechanism 26 mounted at the right end of the window frame, as is best seen in Figs. 2 and 5. This mechanism 26 is of pantograph type and includes a plurality of lifting levers 54 each pivotally mounted within a frame 55 at the rear end by means of a pivot pin 56. Frame 55 is formed as a U-shaped channel held against window jamb 22 by fastening means 57 to enclose the operating linkage. Pivot pins 56 are mounted firmly in the central wall of channel 55 and support the rear ends of levers 54 between this wall and the surface of jamb 22. To permit pivotal movement .of

4 levers 54 the front wall of channel 55 is provided with spaced elongated slots 58 which allow movement of the levers from a substantially horizontal position through a downward arcuatc path.

The front end of lovers 54 carry horizontally disposed lifting pins 60 which seat against the rear or underside of panes 2t) and control the position of the latter. A soft rubber sleeve 61 is rotatably mounted on each pin 61) for contact with the surface of pane 28. As is best seen in Fig. 5, levers 54 are disposed horizontally to hold panes 26 in the closed position with lifthig pin sleeves 61 hearing tightly against the rear surface of the panes, slightly above the center thereof. This contact prevents panes 2% from pivoting rearwardly, and holds them tightly van though substantial pressure be exerted against the outside of the panes.

When lever 54 is depressed, pin sleeve 61 rides down the surface of pane 20 and travels rearwardly at the same time. As this occurs, pane 20 pivots rearwardly about its lower edge, displacing the upper edge rearwardly from the lower edge of the pane above and providing a ventilation opening therealong. The amount of pivotal movement of levers 54 determines the degree of inclination of panes 20 and thus provides for close regulation of the ventilation opening. Because lifting pin sleeves 61 are pressed tightly against panes 20 in the closed position to prevent rattling and shock damage, the panes tend to spring slightly rearwardly due to the resilience of strips 32 upon the downward removal of the lifting pins. Accordingly, panes 20 will continue to pivot rearwardly about the point of support of gaskets 40 on brackets .44 and will continuously follow pins 60.

When levers 54 are elevated back to the horizontal, pins 60 act to lift panes 20 back to the vertical position. The rotatable journaling of sleeves 61 allows a smooth rolling contact with the surface of the panes and insures an easy action. As previously mentioned, it is desired to move all the panes 20 simultaneously-..that is, swing downwardly into an open position, or upwardly into a closed position. To accomplish this end, a vertically disposed interconnecting bar 62 is pivotally attached to each of the levers 54, the distance of the pivotal attachment point from the pivot pin 56 of each lever being equal. Bar 62 extends along the interior of frame channel 55 and is pivotally secured to a short arm 63 extended rearwardly from lever 54 and turned downwardly at an angle. As lever 54 moves toward or away from the horizontal, arm 63 oscillates in a short arc about the horizontal and constrains bar 62 for substantial vertical reciprocating movement.

In order to actuate levers 54, an arcuate operating crank 65 is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 56 of the lowermost lever. Crank 65 is substantially right-angular and has an operating handle 66 which extends rearwardly into the room through a slot 67 formed in the rear edge of frame channel 55. Pivotally connected between crank 65 and bar 62 is a short link 68 which acts to drive the bar up and down as the handle 66 swings through its pivotal arc. It should be noted that handle 66 projects only a short distance rearwardly beyond the window frame and that the outer end thereof moves almost parallel to the frame. This avoids any interference with draperies or blinds within the room, and is an important and convenient feature. 7

It is desirable under certain conditions to open only some of the'panes 20, leaving the others locked in a closed position. The individual control means 25 mounted at the left end of the windows permit this action, and in cooperation with the group control mechanism 26 also permit different groups of panes to be under the control of the group control mechanism. Each individual control 25 has a lever 70 pivotally mounted to a frame channel 71, as is best seen in Figs. ,6 and 7. Channel 71 is formed as a vertical U-shaped member secured to the left window jamb 22 in opposition to the group control support channel 55. Lever 70 is pivotally mounted at its rear end on a pivot pin 72 secured to the central wall of channel 71, and projects forwardly through a slot 73 cut into the forward channel wall.

The front end of lever 70 carries a horizontally disposed lifting pin 75 which seats against the rear or underside of panes 20. A soft rubber sleeve 76 is rotatably mounted on pin 75 for contact with the surface of pane 20. Lever 70 is disposed horizontally to hold pane in the closed position with sleeve 76 bearing tightly against the rear surface of the pane slightly above the center thereof. The contact of sleeve 76 on pane 20 prevents the pane from pivoting rearwardly, and since the line of thrust of an inwardly directed force extends almost directly through the axis of pivot pin 72, such a force cannot cause pivotal movement of lever or opening of the pane.

The operation of individual lever 70 in opening and closing pane 20 is the same as the operation of group levers 54. When lever 70 is depressed, pin travels rearwardly along an arcuate path and permits pane 20 to pivot rearwardly about its lower edge. When lever 70 is elevated back to the horizontal position, pin 75 acts to push pane 20 forwardly to the closed vertical position. Sleeve 76 rolls against the surface of pane 20 and insures a smooth, easy action.

In order to operate lever 70 I provide an operating handle 78 which is slidably mounted in a slot 79 formed in frame channel 71 slightly above the lever. Handle 78 is turned transversely to slot 79 and has side grooves 80 which track along the edges of slot 79 to lock the handle in channel 71 and constrain it to vertical sliding movement, as is best seen in Fig. 7. Depending from handle 78 is a connecting link 81 which is pivotally attached to a short arm 82 formed as a rearward projection on lever 79. As handle 78 is moved up and down along slot 79, link 81 pulls and pushes on arm 82 to cause a corresponding pivotal movement of lever 70. Handle 73 may be conveniently operated by the finger, and as can be appreciated, does not extend into the room to interfere with the interior furnishings thereof. Such an individual operating mechanism 25 is, of course, positioned adjacent each pane 20 to individually control the opening and closing thereof.

Although either the individual control mechanisms 25 or the group control mechanism 26 would be suflicient to open and close panes 20 by themselves, it is highly desirable that both be provided. Under normal conditions when it is desired to open and close all of the panes 20 simultaneously, the individual control mechanisms 25 are placed in the open position. Panes 20 are then under the exclusive control of the interconnected levers 54. r

Should it be desired to open only some of the panes 20 with group control mechanism 26, the individual control mechanisms 25 of the remaining panes 20 are placed in the locked position. These latter panes 2.0 then remain closed, notwithstanding the movement of the group control mechanism 26 to the open position. Conversely, the group control mechanism 26 may be placed out of operation in the open position, and the panes 20 opened and closed one at a time by the use of individual pane mechanisms 25.

It is also advantageous to have both mechanisms for use when it is desired to provide a double safeguard against the opening of panes 20. For example, when high winds or dust storms are expected, both individual mechanisms 25 and the group control mechanism 26 are placed in the closed position. This provides a strong brace at each end of the panes 20 and prevents flexure of the panes such as might permit leakage along gaskets 40. This double locking feature is also useful when the occupant of the house is to be away for an extended period and wishes additional protection against intruders.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have shown a modified form of the invention which includes a somewhat different framework adapted to constitute the frame for the Window opening itself. This form of the invention is particular- 6 ly advantageous for use in trailers or the like, wherein the windows are provided in the structural wall panels at the time of manufacture thereof. A plurality of horizontally disposed panes 20 are again provided, and mounted for rotation about their lower edges from a vertical closed position to a rearwardly inclined open position. Panes 20 are supported by vertical end channels which also form the end frames of the window opening. Each channel 90 has a forward inturned flange 91, a central wall 92 extended the depth of the window edge, and a rear outwardly turned flange 93 which overlaps the interior surface of the adjacent wall structure and is adapted to be secured thereon by fasteners 94.

Front flanges 91 support the previously described vertical sealing strips 32 which are adapted to press tightly against the outer end surfaces of panes 20. Extended along the top of the window is a channel 95 which acts as a top frame for the window opening, and is formed with a depending forward flange 96 which supports the sealing strip 37. At the rear of channel 95 is an upturned flange 97 which overlaps the adjacent wall structure. A lower sill 98 is formed with an outwardly and downwardly inclined upper wall 99 joined to depending inner and outer flanges 100 and 101, respectively. Both of these flanges 100 and 101 are secured firmly to the adjacent wall structure as by screws 102. Projecting upwardly from wall 99 in a position of vertical alignment with the bottom edge of the lower pane 20 is a rail 163 which is adapted for sealing engagement with the lip 41 of a gasket 40 secured to the bottom edge or" the pane. As shown, rail 103 may be conveniently formed by constructing sill 98 of overlapping sheet metal members and turning the end of one upwardly. As can be understood, all of the other frame members described may likewise be conveniently formed of sheet metal bent into proper configuration.

Gaskets 40 are extended along the lower edges of each of the panes 20 for sealing engagement with the next adjacent pane, as has been described in connection with the preferred form of the invention. Likewise, the ends of gaskets 40 project outwardly for pivotally supporting panes 20 by engagement within brackets 44 which are again disposed in horizontal pairs spaced along the end channels 90. Gaskets 40 seat on bracket ledges 45 and are held against upward and rearward movement by keepers 47. Panes 20 are thus movable from the vertical closed position rearwardly to the position shown in phantom outline in Fig. 12.

In order to control the inward movement of panes 20, I provide individual control mechanisms 105 mounted adjacent each pane along the right end channel 90, and a group control mechanism 106 mounted along the left end channel. These control mechanisms have the same cooperative operation as those previously described, and are generally similar, differing only in constructional details. The group control mechanism 186 as seen in Fig. 12 includes a plurality of lifting levers 107, each pivotally mounted to frame 90 at the rear end by means of a pivot pin 108. The front end of levers 107 carry horizontally disposed lifting pins 109 having sleeves 110 rotatably mounted thereon to contact the rear surface of panes 20 in the manner previously described. When lever 107 is depressed, pin 109 moves downwardly and rearwardly, permitting pane 20 to pivot rearwardly about its lower edge.

In order to move all planes 20 simultaneously, a vertically disposed interconnecting bar 112 is pivotally attached to a short arm 113 extended rearwardly and downwardly from each lever 107 by means of pivot pins 114. Vertical movement of bar 112 causes the desired simultaneous pivotal movement of all of the levers 107. For the purpose of manually moving bar 112., the arm 113 formed on the lowermost lever 107 is continued rearwardly and twisted to provide an operating handle 116. Movement of handle 11.6, of course, controls the movement of all levers 107.

It is desirable to provide a finishing or garnish strip along the interior edges of the window, and at the same time form a cover for the operating linkage just described. To this end I provide an elongated box-like cover formed from two parallel channels 120 and 121 which are secured together at the rear of each of the end frame channels 90. Channel 120 is provided with a forward wall 122 and end wall 123 joined, respectively, to a forwardly extending lip 125 and a transversely extending flange 126. Front lip 125 is secured along the channel wall 92 adjacent and beneath the lever pivots 108. Flange 126 extends transversely behind the end of panes .20 so as to limit rearward movement thereof and provide an additional safeguard preventing their removal. Channel 121 is provided with a rear wall 127 and an end wall 128 opposing the walls 122 and 123, respectively, to complete a box-like enclosure around interconnecting bar 112 at the left end of the window. Rear Wall 127 continues inwardly abutting flange 126, and is securely fastened thereon as by welding. A flange 129 is turned outwardly from end wall 128 to overlap channel flange 93, and is secured thereto.

The previously described extension of the lower lever arm and operating handle 116 is bent right-angularly outwardly, as is seen in Fig. 11, and extended through a slot 130 formed in end wall 128, while arm 113 works through a siOt 131 formed in wall 122. This completes the structure of group control mechanism 106 which, as can be seen, has the same principles of operation as the preferred form. in order to avoid a number of channel elements as described, it may be desirable to provide an alternate frame and cover member formed as a single extrusion, as is seen in Fig. 13. An end wall 134 is provided with a forward inturned flange 135 to serve the function of wall 92 and flange 91. Wall 134 extends only a part of the depth of the window edge, and is joined to a rear offset wall 136 by an inwardly projecting strip 137. The rear end of wall 136 is turned outwardly and then forwardly to form a U-shaped box portion which is completed by an out-turned flange 13S. Lifting levers 107 are secured between the wall structure and offset wall 136 by pivot pins 139, and bar 112 is enclosed by the rear boxlike structure provided. In order to permit proper movement of levers 107 and arms 113, suitable slots 140 and 141 are cut into strip 137 and the forwardly extended outer wall portion adjacent operating handle 116. Such an extrusion has the advantage of reducing the fabrication time in manufacturing the device as well as providing a somewhat lighter framework.

The individual pane operating mechanisms 105 are secured along the right end channel 90 adjacent each of the panes 20, as is best seen in Fig. 14. Each mechanism 105 includes a lifting lever 1 14 pivotally supported at its rear end by means of a pivot pin 145. The front end of lever 144 carries a lifting pin 146 rotatably supporting a sleeve 147 thereon for contact with the rear surface of pane 20. Lever 144 extends horizontally to hold pane 20 in the vertical closed position, and is pivotally movable to a depressed position permitting the pane to incline rearwardly to an open position. 7

Extended rearwardly from. lever 144 is an arm 148 which angles downwardly and is positioned to oscillate up and down about the horizontal as the lever moves between open and closed position. Arm 143 extends rearwardly through a groove 150 out into the forward wall 122 of channel 120, then turns right-angularly outwardly and is twisted to form an operating handle 151.. In order to permit up and down movement of handle 151, a suitable arcuate slot 152 is provided in the end wall 128 of channel 121. As can be understood, this form of individual operating mechanism operates on the same principles as the preferred form, while being designed for specific installation in the modified form of framing structure.

I have thus shown and described various forms of my invention which are fully capable of carrying out the aforementioned objects and advantages. Changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of my invention, and I do not wish to .be limited to the details herein described, except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A window structure comprising: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely between said frames just rearwardly of said flanges; gasket members mounted on the lower edge of each of said panes and adapted to seal against the upper edge of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in the vertical position, said gasket members having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; bracket's mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs, having a lower ledge to rotatably support the end portions of said gasket members and an upper keeper preventing rearward or upward displacement of said members, said brackets being pivotally mounted on said frames and rotatable to a position permitting releasing movement of said members between said ledge and said keeper; a plurality of interconnected levers pivotally mounted adjacent one of said end frames, extending from the rear toward the front and pivoted near the rear end thereof, each of said levers having a lifting pin on the front end thereof for bearing against one of said panes and urging said pane toward said flanges when said lever is in a substantially horizontal position, said levers being pivotally depressible to swing said lifting pins away from said panes and permit said panes to pivot rearwardly to an open position; and operating means connected to said levers for simultaneously controlling the movement thereof.

2. A window structure comprising: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely between said frames just rearwardly of said flanges; gasket members mounted on the lower edge of each of said panes and adapted to seal against the upper edge of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in the vertical position, said gasket members having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; brackets mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs, having a lower ledge to rotatably support the end portions of said gasket members and an upper keeper preventing rearward or upward displacement of said members, said brackets being pivotally mounted on said frames and rotatable to a position permitting releasing movement of said members between said ledge and said keeper; a plurality of independent levers pivotally mounted adjacent one of said end frames, extending from the rear toward the front and pivoted near the rear end thereof, each of said levers having a lifting pin on the front end thereof for bearing against one of said panes and urging said pane toward said flanges when said lever is in a substantially horizontal position, said levers being pivotally dcpressible to swing said lifting pins away from said panes and permit said panes to pivot rearwardly to an open position; and operating arms connected to said levers for independently controlling the movement thereof.

3. In a louvered window having a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely across said window, a supporting structure comprising: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; resilient sealing strips extended vertically along the rear faces of said flanges forwardly of saidpanes; resilient gaskets having an upper U-shaped section secured along the lower edge of each of said panes, and a depending front lip adapted to seal against the upper outside surface of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in a vertical position, said gaskets having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of saidpanes; brackets mounted on .said frames in horizontally disposed pairs, having a lower ledge to rotatably support the end portions of said gasket members and an upper keeper preventing rearward or upward displacement of said members, said brackets being pivotally mounted on said frames and rotatable to a position permitting releasing movement of said members between said ledge and said keeper; a plurality of lifting levers pivotally mounted adjacent one of said end frames, extending from the rear toward the front and pivoted near the rear end thereof, each of said levers having a horizontally disposed pin on the front end thereof rotatably supporting a resilient sleeve for bearing against one of said panes and urging said pane against said sealing strips, and said gaskets into engagement with the next adjacent pane, when said lever is in a substantially horizontal position, said levers being pivotally depressible to swing said lifting pins away from said panes and permit said panes to pivot rearwardly to an open position; a downturned arm extended rearwardly from each of said lifting levers at an angle such that said arm moves in an arc substantially parallel to the rear vertical edge of said window when said lever is depressed; and an operating handle connected to each of said arms for independently opening and closing said panes.

4. A window structure comprising: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; resilient sealing strips extended vertically along the rear faces of said flanges; a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely between said frames rearwardly of said sealing strips; resilient gaskets having an upper U-shaped section secured along the lower edge of each of said panes and a depending front lip adapted to seal against the upper outside surface of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in a vertical position, said gaskets having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; brackets mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs, having a lower ledge to rotatably support the end portions of said gasket members and an upper keeper preventing rearward or upward displacement of said members, said brackets being pivotally mounted on said frames and rotatable to a position permitting releasing movement of said members between said ledge and said keeper; a plurality of lifting levers pivotally mounted adjacent one of said end frames, extending from the rear towards the front and pivoted near the rear end thereof, each of said levers having a horizontally disposed pin on the front thereof rotatably supporting a resilient sleeve for bearing against one of said panes and urging said pane against said sealing strips, and said gaskets into engagement with the next adjacent pane, when said lever is in a substantially horizontal position, said levers being pivotally depressible to swing said lifting pins away from said panes and permit said panes to pivot rearwardly to an open position; operating means including a bar interconnecting said levers and an operating handle pivotally movable to move said bar reciprocably; a plurality of lifting levers pivotally mounted adjacent the other of said end frames, extending from the rear toward the front and pivoted near the rear end thereof, each of said levers having a horizontally disposed pin on the front end thereof rotatably supporting a resilient sleeve for hearing against one of said panes and urging said panes against said sealing strips, and said gaskets into engagement with the next adjacent pane, when said lever is in a substantially horizontal position, said levers being pivotally depressible to swing said lifting pins away from said panes and permit said panes to pivot rearwardly to an open position; a downturned arm extended rearwardly from each of said lifting levers at an angle such that the outer end of said arm moves along the rear vertical edge of said window when said lever is depressed; and an operating handle connected to each of said arms for independently open ing and closing said panes.

5. A window structure comprising: vertically extendi0 ing end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; resilient sealing strips extended vertically along the rear faces of said flanges, said strips having a rear V-shaped channel defining outer sealing lips formed to be flattened outwardly upon engagement with a fiat surface to provide a double line of sealing contact; an upper frame extended transversely along the top of said window and provided with a downturned flange; a resilient upper sealing strip extended along the rear face of said downturned flange; a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely between said end frames rearwardly of said sealing strips; resilient gaskets having an upper U-shaped section secured along the lower edge of each of said panes and a depending front lip adapted to seal against the upper outside surface of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in a vertical position, said gaskets having end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; brackets mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs, having a lower ledge to rotatably support the end portions of said gasket members and an upper keeper preventing rearward or upward displacement of said members, said brackets being pivotally mounted on said frames and rotatable to a position permitting releasing movement of said members between said ledge and said keeper; and lifting levers pivotally movable from a horizontal position bearing against said panes to a depressed position permitting said panes to pivot rearwardly, said levers urging said panes firmly against said sealing strips when in the horizontal position to cause said panes to spring back therefrom when said levers are depressed and start said panes pivoting rearwardly to an open position.

6. In a window having a plurality of transversely extending substantially rectangular panes, a supporting structure comprising: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; resilient sealing strips extended vertically along the rear faces of said flanges in front of the marginal ends of said panes, said strips having a rear V-shaped channel defining outer sealing lips formed to be flattened outwardly upon engagement with said panes to provide a double line of sealing contact; resilient gaskets having an upper U-shaped section secured along the lower edge of each of said panes and a depending front lip adapted to seal against the upper outside edge of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in a vertical position, said gaskets having a rounded rear edge on said upper section and end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; brackets mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs formed with a wall adapted to abut the inwardly facing surface of said frames and having a lower projecting flat ledge for rotatably supporting the end portion of said gasket for rotation rearwardly on said rounded edge, and a spaced upper projecting keeper having the rear end thereof turned downwardly toward said ledge to prevent upward or rearward removal of said gasket, the front ends of said ledge and said keeper being sufliciently close to said frame flange to prevent forward removal of said gasket, said bracket wall being pivotally secured to said frame whereby said bracket may be swung upwardly in a position to permit said gasket to be removed from between said ledge and said keeper; and lifting levers pivotally movable from a horizontal position bearing against said panes to a depressed position permitting said panes to pivot rearwardly, said levers urging said panes firmly against said sealing strips when in the horizontal position to cause said panes to spring back therefrom when said levers are depressed and start said panes pivoting rearwardly to an open position.

7. In a window of the class described: vertically extending end frames having flanges turned inwardly at the front thereof; resilient sealing strips extended vertically along the rear faces of said flanges, said strips having a rear V-shaped channel defining outer sealing lips formed to be flattened outwardly upon engagement with aflat surface to provide a double line of sealing contact; an upper frame extended transversely along the top of said window and provided with a downturned flange; a resilient upper sealing strip extended along the rear face of said downturned flange; an upwardly projecting rail extended transversely along the bottom of said window; a plurality of substantially rectangular panes extending transversely between said end frames rearwardly of said sealing strips with the top marginal edge of the upper pane adapted to bear against said upper sealing strip and the bottom edge of the lower pane disposed above said bottom rail; resilient gaskets having an upper U-shaped section secured along the lower edge of each of said panes and a depending front lip adapted to seal against the upper outside edge of the next adjacent pane when said panes are in a vertical position, with the lip on the lower gasket sealing similarly against the front surface of said rail, said gaskets having a rounded rear edge on said upper section and end portions projecting outwardly beyond the ends of said panes; and brackets mounted on said frames in horizontally disposed pairs formed with a wall adapted to abut the inwardly facing surface of said frames and having a lower projecting flat ledge forrotatably supporting the end portion of said gasket for rotation rearwardly on said rounded edge, and a spaced upper projecting keeper having the rear end thereof turned downwardly toward said ledge to prevent upward or rearward removal of said gasket, the front ends of said ledge and said keeper being sufficiently close to said frame flange to prevent forward removal of said gasket, said bracket wall being pivotally secured to said frame whereby said bracket may be swung upwardly in a position to permit said gasket to be removed from between said ledge and said keeper.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 765,310 Brown July 26, 1904 1,583,597 Lafierty May 4, 1926 2,311,300 Dubour et al. Feb. 16, 1943 2,549,314 Kegley Apr. 17, 1951 2,559,442 Klein July 3, 1951 

